Sunday, January 27, 2008

Angel of Music

“The Angel of Music played a part in all Daddy Daae's tales;and he maintained that every great musician,every great artist received a visit from the Angel at least once in his life.”

There have been many hypotheses that the allegories in the Phantom of the Opera point to Erik (the Phantom) as a type of Satan. I agree to some point there are hidden symbolic meanings weaved throughout the story (some of which will be alluded to in other posts) that point to that possible theory. Yet, there is one stark difference that makes this assumption somewhat challenged.

The Phantom poses as the Angel of Music to Christine throughout, deceiving her that he is the Angel of Music sent to her by her father to tutor her. In comparison, the Bible references Satan’s origin as once to be the anointed cherub, an angel of music, who because of pride was cast out of heaven to then become the great deceiver and murderer of mankind.

The Phantom uses this deception to lure Christine into his world of darkness bidding her over and over to come to the Angel of Music, that he is her Angel of Music. Yet toward the end Christine declares the Angel deceiver her. The Phantom allows Christine and Raoul to leave, but cries to them that they swear never to tell that he is the Angel in hell.

The symbolism is there, yet the challenge I make is that the Phantom, however, longs for love and redemption, which Satan does not. After the passionate love felt kiss that he receives from Christine as she lays down her life to save another, he truly is touched by the meaning of redemption. Only then, can he himself, feel what compassion and love is, having never received it himself, and then willing he gives her up to Raoul as he lays down his evil desires to keep her in his captivity.

What is the lesson to be learned? Evil can come to us as an angel of light. (“Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:13). If not careful, we all can be victims of deception. Is the angel who calls to you one of light or darkness? Make sure that the voice that bids you to come is not someone else in disguise.

2 comments:

Anonymous
said...

Though I agree with what you said about Erik not being like Satan because the Devil doesn't repent or long for love and forgiveness, I also think that the title Angel of Music exhibits the Phantom's last saving grace. Here he is, a half-crazed murderer who feels his deformity sets him beyond the pale of humanity to the point where he can kill without pity, but his angelic voice is still the last vestige of his beauty if not his soul. All things considered, even Lucifer was an angel before he fell.

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